tatter — I. Date: 14th century transitive verb to make ragged intransitive verb to become ragged II. noun Etymology: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse tǫturr tatter; akin to Old English tætteca rag, Old High German zotta matted… … New Collegiate Dictionary

tatter — tat•ter [[t]ˈtæt ər[/t]] n. v. tered, ter•ing. n. 1) a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag 2) a separate torn piece; shred 3) tatters, torn or ragged clothing 4) to tear or wear to tatters 5) to become ragged •… … From formal English to slang

tatter — cross, peevish ; old mistress is tedious tatter. Kent … A glossary of provincial and local words used in England